I spent two nights at the Hyatt House in the Rosebank neighborhood of Johannesburg. While the hotel had a couple of unsavory quirks, I was happy to have a reasonably-priced Hyatt to rest in.
Hyatt House Johannesburg Rosebank Review
I wanted to stay at the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg, which I spent a week in with my wife many years ago and found very nice. But the location has remained closed since March 2020 and after driving by it, I am not sure it will ever open again:
The good news is that a brand new Hyatt House has opened just around the corner, so you still have a Hyatt option in the Rosebank / Gauteng district.
Booking
I booked two nights online for $68/night directly with Hyatt. The Hyatt in Sandton was even cheaper, but this location was better for my appointments.
Arriving after 8:00 pm, I attempted to check in on the World of Hyatt mobile app, but was told to present myself at the front desk in order to receive a room key. The lobby had a very contemporary look and I am not sure how this place will age (more on that below).
Room (1 Bedroom Suite)
The halls were white with black print on the carpet and borders.
My suite included a living room with couch and coffee table and kitchen in one large room, then a bedroom and bathroom.
The room smelled like an Ikea.
I appreciated the space and appreciated the full kitchen (though I ended up ordering out for food both nights rather than attempting to cook anything myself). The first night I ordered falafel and tabbouleh:
The second night, Nando’s:
The hotel very kindly provided a platter of fruit as a welcome amenity, which I enjoyed with dinner.
The room featured a hot water kettle and an espresso machine, but there were no capsules and the front desk said they did not have any.
The bed was comfortable and I slept well.
The problem was the bathroom, specifically the sink. I think this video demonstrates it best:
View from the room:
Breakfast At The Collective
From 6:30 am to 10:30 am each morning, breakfast is offered at The Collective, which is the hotel’s main restaurant. A buffet offered juices, fruit, salad, cereal, nuts, cold cuts, and eggs. Eggs were also available cooked-to-order.
Both indoor and outdoor dining is available. It was cold in the morning and even so, I sat outside my second morning knowing that I would soon be returning to the scorching Los Angeles summer heat.
I requested avocado with my eggs (I saw avocado toast on the menu) and was told that I would be charged for it and it was not included in the buffet. I said, “Even for Globalists?” Yes. I thought that was a bit petty, but it is no different than so many Hyatt Regency properties forcing Globalists to eat breakfast in the lounge rather than the restaurant.
The omelet had a hair on it and the avocado was not even ripe (*sigh*), though better the second day than the first. Perhaps I’m the opposite of a germaphobe? I just flicked the hair away and ate the omelet.
Coffee was regrettably bad (Nestle machine), but Father Coffee was just a short walk away in The Zone.
H-Market
I noticed a better Swiss-made Thermoplan machine in the market and asked if they could use that for my breakfast. Nope. That dispenses Starbucks Coffee, which carries an additional charge. I still have principles and I’m not about to spend money at a Hyatt hotel on Starbucks, so I just stuck to water after that first dreadful cup.
Terrace + Pool
I caught a beautiful sunrise from the hotel’s top-floor terrace, which includes a small pool.
Laundry Room
A great feature of this hotel, especially if you have an extended stay, is the laundry facility. The machines are complimentary, though I did not see any soap.
Fitness Center
One guest room has been converted into a fitness center, which included a couple of treadmills, an elliptical, bike, free weights, and a multi-purpose strength training machine. There was also a restroom with a shower.
Prayer Room
It seemed to me this hotel has Islamic owners, as South Africa is only about 3% Muslim but the hotel offered a prayer and ablution room on the lobby level.
CONCLUSION
I do miss the Hyatt Regency, but found the location of Hyatt House Rosebank convenient and appreciated the spacious suite. I would return, though I think I will check out the Sandton neighborhood next time.
“That dispenses Starbucks Coffee, which carries an additional Starbucks.”
What?
Is there much within easy walking distance and would you suggest the hotel for a tourist? I’m still trying to figure whether a visit to South Africa as a tourist sounds good. Your reviews are certainly helping.
Christian – I live in SA and if you come here with Dollars I can assure you that you will have an amazing time – especially in Sandton City and The Mall of Africa not to mention our Safari’s in the bush let alone Cape Town. Just do it!! You won’t regret it. J9
Thanks so much for the response.
Christian,-
I agree with Janine, well worth a visit or several. I’ve always felt safe and enjoyed driving around the beautiful landscapes and exploring the cities/towns. Also the quality of the food and wine compared to the relative low price was excellent (for us anyway)—we ate everywhere from beachside shacks to high end city restaurants. Hope you decide to go!
-James